Los Angeles: 2-Hour Hollywood Trail Horseback Riding Tour

Planning a trip to Los Angeles and craving a different perspective on the city’s iconic sights? This 2-hour horseback riding tour at Sunset Ranch promises a chance to see LA in a way few other experiences can match. Riding through Griffith Park’s hills, you’ll reach a vantage point overlooking the city, Hollywood Sign, and beyond—making it perfect for travelers looking for an active, scenic adventure amid California’s outdoor beauty.

What we particularly like about this tour is the combination of expert guides and the chance to interact with calm, well-cared-for horses—it’s a relaxed way to enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, the panoramic views offered from near the Hollywood Sign give a memorable backdrop for photos and personal reflection. However, it’s worth considering that this experience is not suitable for those with severe heights fears or recent injuries, and the 240 lb weight limit means it’s not for everyone.

This horseback ride works best for those who appreciate natural scenery, want to explore Griffith Park from a different angle, or simply love horses and fresh air. It’s especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, first-time riders, and anyone eager to see LA from above while enjoying a leisurely pace.

Key Points

• Unparalleled views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign from high vantage points
• Guided horseback ride suitable for beginners with no prior riding experience needed
• Well-maintained horses and professional guides ensure a safe, enjoyable outing
• Flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, or evening options
• Inclusions: horse, helmet, and expert guide, with safety gear provided
• Cost-effective for the quality of scenery and experience provided

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Ride and Top Highlights

This tour begins at Sunset Ranch, conveniently located just minutes from Hollywood Blvd and the famous Walk of Fame. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by the sight of friendly, calm horses and a welcoming staff eager to prep you for the ride. No matter your experience level, the guides are attentive, ensuring everyone is comfortable before setting off.

The trail itself winds through Griffith Park’s hills, offering plenty of space for relaxed riding. The paths are broad and manageable, making it suitable for all ages from 8 years upward—though children under 8 are not permitted. You’ll travel at a gentle pace, which allows you to soak in the surroundings and take photos along the way.

As you ascend, the views unfold dramatically. You’ll be able to look out over downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the sprawling cityscape beyond. Several reviews mention how “amazing” the scenery is, with one rider noting that they had “fantastic pictures” thanks to the helpful guides capturing moments for them.

Experience Breakdown: What Makes It Special

Start at Sunset Ranch: This spot is easy to reach from Hollywood and provides a picturesque setting with a ranch vibe. It’s clean, well-organized, and offers a friendly atmosphere that immediately puts first-timers at ease.

Introduction and safety briefing: You’ll meet your guide and the horses, get helmets, and hear safety instructions. The guides are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, with reviews highlighting guides like Carla and GG as “very helpful” and “knowledgeable.”

The riding trail: The horses walk at a relaxed pace along wide paths that lead up Griffith Park’s hills. Riders are encouraged to enjoy the scenery and take photos, with some reviews mentioning how the horses are “super calm” and “know their way,” making it a stress-free experience even for beginners.

The summit view: Reaching the top, you’ll see panoramic vistas that include Los Angeles’ sprawling urban landscape, the Hollywood Sign, and the iconic Griffith Observatory. Some visitors note that the views are “like looking at a movie set,” especially at sunset.

Photo opportunities: Many reviewers find this tour to be perfect for capturing memorable pictures, thanks to the scenic backdrop and friendly guides. You’re allowed to bring small cameras or phones, making it easy to preserve your experience.

The Value of the Experience

At $125 per person for a two-hour ride, the price point is reasonable, especially considering the quality of scenery, the professional attention, and the chance to interact with gentle horses. Compared to other LA attractions, this offers a unique blend of outdoor activity and sightseeing—delivering a memorable experience that’s well worth the cost.

A number of reviews emphasize the good value for money, with visitors highlighting how this tour provides a different, authentic view of Los Angeles. One rider commented that their “guide was brilliant” and that the experience was “100% recommend[ed].”

While food and drinks are not included, water and Gatorade are available for purchase, and the meeting point is straightforward with ample parking. Cancellation is flexible, allowing you to book confidently without worry.

Meeting, Timing, and Practicalities

The tour starts at Sunset Ranch, a short drive from Hollywood’s main attractions. The meeting point is marked by a gate and call box at the top of Beachwood Drive, with parking on the right after passing through the gate. The ranch office is easy to find, and the staff is helpful if you need directions.

Tours are typically available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule and preferred lighting—sunset rides are often praised for their particularly stunning scenery. The group size tends to be small, enhancing the personal feel, with some reviews mentioning groups of just seven horses.

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Important Considerations

• Children 8 and older are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult
• The 240 lb weight limit is strictly enforced
• Not recommended for those with severe fear of heights or recent injuries
• No prior horseback riding experience needed
• Pregnant women, people with certain injuries, or those afraid of heights should consider whether this is suitable
• Loose items should be kept in the ranch office, as they cannot be carried on the ride

What the Reviews Say

The feedback from previous travelers is overwhelmingly positive. With a 4.6-star average from 221 reviews, most visitors praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful horses, and breathtaking views. Many mention how calm and friendly the horses are, making it ideal for beginners and novices.

Donna from the US described it as “everything about this tour was amazing,” while Etienne from France said, “My horse was great, and the saddle very comfortable—like a western movie!” The guides, especially Carla and GG, receive regular kudos for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Some reviews pointed out minor inconveniences, such as the need for better facilities or cleaner helmets, but these did not detract from the overall satisfaction. A few noted that the Hollywood Sign isn’t always visible from the trail, but the views of Los Angeles and the city skyline more than compensate.

This horseback riding tour at Sunset Ranch offers a fantastically scenic way to see LA’s most famous sights. The combination of professional guides, calm horses, and breathtaking vistas makes it a worthwhile experience for travelers seeking a memorable outdoor adventure. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine a bit of activity with sightseeing, or anyone eager to see the Hollywood sign from a new angle.

While not ideal for those with severe heights fears or recent injuries, the tour’s relaxed pace and friendly horses make it accessible for most beginners and outdoor lovers alike. The price reflects good value for such a personalized, scenic experience, and the flexible scheduling allows you to pick a time that suits your day.

If you’re after a truly unique way to explore Los Angeles and don’t mind a little gentle riding, this tour is a charming, authentic option that’s likely to leave you with lasting memories.

Is prior horseback riding experience needed? No, this tour is suitable for beginners, and guides are there to assist you along the way.

What is the age requirement? Children must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult; minors under 18 need adult supervision.

Can I bring my phone or camera? Yes, you can bring a phone or small camera to capture the scenery, but large bags are not permitted on the ride.

Is the tour suitable for people afraid of heights? The tour involves riding near the edges of trails, so it’s not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights.

How long is the tour? The horseback ride lasts two hours, including time for briefings and the ride itself.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, if you’re looking for a fun, scenic adventure that combines outdoor activity with stunning city views, this horseback riding tour around Griffith Park is an excellent pick. It’s well-reviewed, reasonably priced, and provides a genuinely memorable LA experience—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider craving a different perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: